Reviews (4)

informative ingenuity
a beaufully crafted book. the art of pop-ups still has a magical effect that brings out the child in all of us. the content is informative, and the illustrations are wonderfull. if that isn't enough, the pop ups take it over the top. trully magnificent.

pop ups to consolidate history learning
This book is like others in its genre, surprising and effective in how the mechanics work.Suitable for children or adults with some interest/knowledge about the subject.

So, what is a knight?
If your kids are asking "What is a knight?", then this book is for you.The book is informative and the illustrations are terrific. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Castles    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Civilization, Medieval    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Reviews (5)

A great resource
First the positive
The Story of the World Activity Book Two: The Middle Ages
I purchased the Activity Two Book because my son enjoyed the Activity One Book.This book is appropriate for Grades 1 through 4 and should be purchased "together" with The Story of the World Volume 2: The Middle Ages book.The activity bookcan be used in families with different-aged children.Each chapter includes a narration exercise, question and answer for oral and written review, cut-outs, coloring, maps, craft projects as well as a thorough list of suggested readings. There is something for everyone here to make learning history an enjoyable experience.

The Story of the World: Activity Book Two: The Middle Ages
I will be using this for our history in our home education. So far, while reviewing and finding what is needed for activities, I am anxious to get started! My boys love hands on activity so I think they will truly find history is awesome! I love the idea of making things and using recipes too. I think this is going to make the learning fun and will be something my boys will always remember! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Education    4. History    5. History - Medieval    6. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Editorial Review

The Gothic cathedral is one of humanity's greatest masterpieces--an architectural feast that couldn't help but attract the attention of renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay. Once an architectural student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Macaulay glories in the intricacies and beauty of structure, as evidenced in his masterful pen-and-ink drawings in critically acclaimed children's books such as Read more

Reviews (13)

An excellent masterpiece!
Words are useless to describe this masterpiece created by David Macaulay.
spellbinding for children and adults alike
Like all of Macaulay's architectural books, CATHEDRAL is ripe with vivid illustrations that are both enthralling and educational to behold. The drawings not only illustrate the cathedral's method of construction, but convey the presence and majesty of the space as well. One feels the dizzying height of the tower and the formidable strength of the foundation stones. I was always amazed at the ingenuity of the laborers in completing tasks that I would have otherwise felt impossible to attemp without power tools.
A wonderful introduction to architecture and the Middle Ages
Having just finished a great book called "Great Cathedrals", filled with 400 pages of jaw-dropping photographs, I kept wondering how in the world they could have built such marvelous edifices with rudimentary implements over 800 years ago.David Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a book ostensibly written for children but which will fascinate readers of all ages.In scarcely 80 pages, Macaulay takes us back in time to the year 1252 in the fictional French village of Chutreaux where the people decide to build the "longest, widest, highest and most beautiful cathedral in all of France" for the glory of God.Macaulay's text is minimal, but his exquisite black and white line drawings say it all: the step-by-step stages in the building's construction, the craftsmen and the tools they used, and the dedication that kept this project going for 80 years until its completion.We feel a sense of awe at the dedication of the original architects and craftsmen and builders who knew that they would be long dead before the cathedral was finally finished.Macaulay's glossary at the end of the book helps us to understand the major elements of the Gothic cathedral, and his cross-sections and diagrams provide clear illustration of just how the cathedral rose from its foundations.At the end of this volume, we share the awe and pride the townspeople felt at having shared a goal for over 80 years and making it a reality.Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a marvelous creation in more ways than one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Gothic    3. Cathedrals    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. General    7. History - Medieval    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Architecture    10. Religious buildings   

Reviews (4)

Wonderful book for kids of all ages
This is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. The reference works in back to museums, internet sites and other books is well done. I recommend this book for any one who has children interested in Knights and Castles!

Terrific Reference for Middle Ages* Art * Theme!
I'm an artist and art teacher, and after discovering this book, I ordered copies for my middle school ART students!While it's an easy read for students of this age (5th through 7th grade), it's packed with understandable text and pictures.It's a great reference for the various art projects that my students are doing as part of our study of the Middle Ages, and the kids have really enjoyed it....

Knights and Castles
Mary Pope Osborne does it again! Read more

Subjects:  1. Castles    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. Europe    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Knights and knighthood    10. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. History - Medieval    3. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (1)

Pure propaganda
In recent years, the both the American Textbook Council (ATC) and The Textbook League, respectively, have documented bias and evasions in world history textbooks on the subjects of militant Islam and Islamic terrorism. Of particular note is ATC's piece, Islam and the Textbooks. Critics agree that grammar, middle and high school textbooks misrepresent Islam past and present. They contain fallacies and untruths about jihad, sharia, slavery, status of Muslim women, terrorism, and tolerance.
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Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. History - Medieval    3. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (10)

Anti-Christian Zealotry at its worst
Apparently Christianity is at the root of all evil and the cause of most misfortune that occurred in the middle ages.If it weren't for those darned Christians, it seems the world would be a much better place. St. Frances of Assis was ok, (he loved animals), but all the rest of the Christians were closed-minded, violent and supersititous.I wasn't aware that the church wouldn't let people read because it might confuse them and that many people became monks because they didn't want to go to war.
Excellent for Modern-Day Thought and Practice
Ignore the obvious religious zealots who feel they have a right to shove their beliefs down the throats of everyone else in this country and the world in general:there is absolutely nothing wrong with a child learning about the realities of the middle ages, which was an era heavily influenced by the Catholic church.An adult subject matter, albeit an opportunity for quality parenting, this era was dominated by the church and many superstitious and malinformed beliefs we hold true today stem from this era of intolerance and brutality against human kind and religious freedom.
Knights & Castles - what a great book!
We are studying the Medieval period; this book has been invaluable with lots of great reading, wonderful ideas and awesome crafts!!Well worth the money and enjoyed by both Mom and child!
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Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Activity programs    3. Children's 9-12 - Sociology    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Civilization, Medieval    7. Europe    8. History    9. History - Europe    10. History - Medieval    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Knights and knighthood    14. Middle Ages    15. Social Science - General    16. Social Studies - General    17. Study and teaching (Elementary    18. Study and teaching (Elementary)    19. Activity packs    20. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    21. World history: c 1500 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Asia    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. History    6. History - Asia    7. History - Exploration & Discovery    8. History - Medieval    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. People & Places - Asia    12. Pictorial works    13. Silk Road    14. Trade routes    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Asia   

Reviews (2)

Simply the best medieval social history for the elementary crowd
With the rather facile title of the series, I had no great expectations--but WOW! what a wonderful book to counter all the misconceptions about the middle ages that are promulgated even in many adults' books!I adore it.If you only get one book that touches on the social history of the middle ages, this should be it!

How Fiona makes you love History if you want to or not.
Fiona Macdonald is famous for writing beutiful books about the past. She explains in a very friendly, clear and fascinating way how our ancestors lived. Children who dislike history and who think that the past is boring change their mind when they see the magnificintly illustrated books Fionamakes. This book pulls you into the Middle ages and gets you as close tothe past as possible without a time-machine. On the first page you see apicture of a medieval town, people are working, there ia a market and thereis more than enough to see. On several place throughout the city you findsmall questions like 'Would you be afraid of these soldiers?'. You seethree scary looking soldiers playing a game on a tower. If you would liketo know what game they are playing you can go to another page. It worksalmost as a internetsite with several links. The book is almost ineractive.The Chapters are clear and very beuatifyllt illustrated. The author tellsus how life would be for people in the middle ages. You can follow'a-day-in-the-life-of, you can see battles, castles, cities and farmers. Itis a book that you will pick up again and again. Children will love it, itis very handy for making school projects. As always Fiona Macdonald hassucceeded in making another brilliant book about the past. Bringing thepast closer and educating the young. The Illustrators have done a perfectjob, every single picture is a pleasure to look at. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. History - Medieval    5. Juvenile literature    6. Middle Ages   

Reviews (4)

Great for younger children
I think this is excellent for younger children. It is a good basic introduction.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Catherine Daly-Weir has done an excellent job of presenting a general and yet fairly complete introduction to Heraldry. The illustrations are beautiful and attractive.Obviusly written for the younger reader, adults will enjoy just as well.If you are working on a club/class project and need to creat a Coat of Arms, this book andRosemary Chorzempa's "Design Your Own Coat of Arms" are all you need!You will have no trouble creating your own Coat of Arms expecially with the plastic stencil which is included in the book.A must have!

The stencil alone is worth the price!
This book is written for a younger audience than, say Rosemary Chorzempa's Design Your Own Coat of Arms.While there might not be as much information included, what is included is presented very well.There are full-color drawings that will appeal to kids (and adults, for that matter!) and the explanations are clear and understandable.But truly the best thing about the book is the stencil.It includes many of the common images found on historical Coat of Arms.More importantly, the stencil is made from plastic, so it will withstand many tracings.Many times a stencil included with a book is made of heavy-duty paper or cardstock, but those just don't hold up to repeated use.This stencil is made of see-through green-tinted plastic, so it is easy to see exactly where to place the image you are tracing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Historical - Medieval    5. History - Medieval    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Artists, designers, photographers    8. Historical fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture    10. World history: c 500 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (47)

Eleanor of Aquitaine; So. Cool.
Before reading this book, I wasn't too interested in Eleanor of Aquitaine. I knew who she was, and dimly remembered reading about her somewhere, but nothing made an impression. At that time, I wasn't particularly interested in British or French history. This book completely changed that. I found Eleanor a fascinating woman, and instantly dove into a pile of books to learn more about her and her real life.
A perfect introduction to some great figures in history
I read this as a student in the seventh or eighth grade more than a decade ago, so I don't have a detailed enough memory of the book to comment on the quality of the writing.But I do remember that this book introduced me to characters such as Henry II, Eleanor of Acquitaine, and all their sons, and I found it all very interesting.Later in life these people would be brought back to my attention by James Goldman's play "The Lion In Winter" and it was largely my memories of this book that made this play one of my favorites I've ever read.This book is a great way to introduce any young person to some of the most interesting figures in Medeival history.

A Stylish Eleanor
Written from the viewpoint of four different persons who have shared the life of Eleanor of Acquitane, Konigsburg's book gives the reader an insightful look into the life of this regal lady.I went back and rewatched "The Lion in Winter" after having read this book and enjoyed both the movie and the book even more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1122?-1204    2. Biographical - European    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Eleanor,    7. Fiction    8. Great Britain    9. Historical - Europe    10. Historical - Medieval    11. History    12. History - Medieval    13. Juvenile Nonfiction    14. Juvenile fiction    15. Plantagenets, 1154-1399    16. Queen, consort of Henry II, King of England,    17. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (4)

Packed with anecdotes and much research yet lively in tone and presentation
For over thirty years Leonardo Da Vinci was obsessive about investigating everything in the natural world, from the color of the sky to mountains and water sources. Packed with anecdotes and much research yet lively in tone and presentation, grades 4-7 will find a lovely coverage spiced with Boris Kulikov's drawings in this new 'Giants of Science' addition.
Great book for kids and adults!!!
This book is wonderful!I recently purchased it at the Louisville Science Center for my sixth-grade son interested in science and math.
Disappointing...
I am a big fan of Kathleen Krull. She has written so many wonderful books, but LEONARDO DA VINCI is a book that I do not feel comfortable recommending or sharing.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Art    3. Biography & Autobiography - Science & Technology    4. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. History - Medieval    8. Italy    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Science & Nature - General    12. Science, Renaissance    13. Scientists    14. Juvenile Fiction / Science & Technology   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. History - Medieval    3. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (6)

Got out of knights
It was pretty good, but it was kind of showing out of the knight period.They wrote a lot about castles and it was titled knights.This bothered me.I really liked how it showed what a knight has as his duty.

Interest your children in REAL history
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful museum-quality photos of all things related to knights, accompanied by informative captions and text. Captured his interest for days!He keeps going back to it.
My 10 year old son is fascinated with all things midevil.This book shows the armor, weopons, and lifestyle of knights.The photos are excellent andthe copy is interesting.Your child may need a little help with some ofthe vocabulary. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. History - Medieval    5. History - Military & Wars    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Knights and knighthood    9. Reference - General    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Military & Wars   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Castles    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Civilization    6. Civilization, Medieval    7. Cole, Joanna    8. England    9. Historical - Medieval    10. History - Medieval    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. School & Education    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / General   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. History - Medieval    3. History - Modern    4. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (2)

Historical info for kids
This is a history book that describes the lives of knights in the Middle Ages.The book describes how boys could become knights, what the rules of the code of honor for knights were, and what battles between knights were like.The book introduces a lot of factual material and vocabulary, but there is no plot or story line. At the end of the book, there is a short section describing some famous knights and their dragons.Personally, I found the book a bit dry, but kids who are fascinated with swords and armor may show some interest in it.The book has about 900 words.

Knights in Shining Armor
As an heraldic artist for over 40 years and with grandchildren becoming interested in ALL things, I found this book very helpful in passing on my interests. It has helped them to become intrigued with the Knights of the Roundtable and their play now includes slaying dragons and rescuing fair maidens.They also have started asking about the various insignia in all my books on heraldry. Read more

Subjects:  1. Armor    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Chivalry    5. History    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Knights and knighthood    10. Social Science - General    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval   

Reviews (3)

Fantastic Insight of the Medieval Lifestyle of a Knight,
The information coupled with the detailed, amazing illustrations make this book a must when wanting to learn the lifestyle of a feudal knight.The book shows aerial and cut-away illustrations of a castle.It also shows detailed illustrations and information on how the knights armor was put together and put on with assistance. The World of the Medieval Knight also explained the process in which a noble man's son would become a knight. This information alone makes this book a useful book while learning about the Middle Ages, but it also covers customs and feasts and town life.This book exceeded my expectations.

Wonderful illustrations; keen views on the medieval knight
This is a great book not only for young people who want to learn about castles and the medieval lifestyle but also adults who are first learning about the period. A well written book on castles, knights, arms and armor.
This was a wonderfully written book on the knights world. This book goes into many interesting details of the medieval knights world and is both entertaining and informative. There is even interspersed humor. My 8 yearold son has taken it out of the library twice and has asked for it forChristmas. It has also inspired him to try and make his own knights helmet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - History - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. Europe    5. History    6. History - Medieval    7. Knights and knighthood    8. Pictorial works   

Reviews (2)

Hands On ways for Kids to Re-Live the Middle Ages
We're a homeschooling family who've just finished up studying the Middle Ages. We're always looking for resources, just like this one, that let the kids make things and pretend. To get a real taste (literally!) of the way things were a thousand years ago. Huzzah (Hooray) for this excellent medieval activities guide
Our outreach education company does interactive historypresentations and medieval theme birthday parties and we areconstantly recommending this book to both educators and parents alike.We suggest it as a primer for activities and decorations to go along with our presentations.Simple yet fun, this book lays out, in easy to follow steps, how to design, build, and play with the suggestions provided.It includes costuming, props, games, recipes, accessories... for ages up to about 12.It is not a historical treatise (it shows how to make a mirror from cardboard and aluminum foil rather than burnished copper for example) but is a fun way to "get the feel" of the time, if a bit fanciful.This book is a delight for the harried parent or teacher.GregRobin Smith and Cymbric Early-Smith. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. Handicraft    6. History    7. History - Medieval    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Middle Ages    11. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    12. Social Science - General    13. Culture & customs    14. Handicrafts    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    16. World history: c 500 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (4)

Son of Charlemagne
I really enjoyed reading Son of Charlemagne for history.I learned more facts about Charlemagne in this book than in a regular study on him.It is a great book to read in your spare time.This book is told by his son Carl's point of view.

An insider view of Charles the Great
We enjoyed this story of Charlemagne told by viewing the life of one of his sons, Carl.While not intensely detailed in regards to his historical battles, though they are referenced (and one particularly brutal event is covered intensely), it gives more of an insider view with the focus on his family life.That was very interesting!This incredible world leader was a devoted family man who desired for his children to travel with him whenever possible.He humbly sought a better education for himself, his children and his subjects.This focus led to the Carolingian Renaissance.While Charles the Great certainly had flaws, those too were inspiring examples.These multifacted qualities resulted in his rise from King of the Franks to coronation as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.Son of Charlemagne was written very personally, a tender glimpse into the real life struggles of a political giant.

This is a very good book!
My sons and I enjoyed this book. It is about Charlemagne, but written from the perspective of his eldest son, so it keeps their interest. This booked sparked us looking into Charlemagne in more detail, from the history books, so it was great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 742-814    2. Charlemagne,    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Emperor,    6. Fiction    7. General    8. History - Medieval    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile fiction    11. Middle Ages    12. Charlemagne    13. Children's and Educational